I’ll never forget the drive up to our little holiday cottage in North Wales last autumn – the leaves were turning that glorious coppery gold, carpeting the lanes like nature’s own confetti. We’d set off from the Midlands full of beans, dreaming of cosy firesides and crisp walks, but about halfway there, disaster struck: a rogue pheasant decided our car bonnet was its personal runway. Feathers everywhere, heart in my mouth, and me screeching to a halt while the kids in the back howled with laughter. “Mum, you’ve started birdwatching the hard way!” one quipped. A quick check confirmed no casualties (phew), and we were off again, the anticipation building as the satnav led us down a winding country lane, just a mile shy of the England-Wales border.

Pulling up to the property – a charming, traditional cottage with that welcoming hug of a place – my first impressions were spot on. Nestled in peaceful rural bliss, it felt like stepping into a postcard, especially with autumn’s soft mist rolling in from the hills. The air was that perfect nippy chill, urging us straight inside to unpack and brew a pot of tea.

Being autumn, everything took on this magical, mellow vibe. Our first jaunt was to Ellesmere, only five miles away – Shropshire’s own Lake District, they call it, and boy, does it live up to the name. The meres were mirror-still under overcast skies, reflecting the fiery foliage like a painting. We crunched through fallen leaves on easy lakeside paths, the kids kicking up piles and pretending to be explorers. No crowds, just us and the ducks, which suited our lazy holiday mood perfectly.

A bit further on, Llangollen (13 miles) was a highlight, its backdrop of the Clwydian Range AONB shrouded in that seasonal haze. The River Dee rushed with post-rain vigour, and we hired a canoe for a gentle paddle – the autumn colours popping against the water were stunning, though I did have a wobbly moment tipping precariously and questioning my seafaring skills. Light-hearted fun, followed by a warm lunch in a riverside café, steam rising from our bowls like friendly ghosts.

History buffs like me couldn’t resist Chirk Castle, just 11 miles off – National Trust perfection, with its gardens ablaze in russet and amber. Wandering the grounds felt timeless, leaves swirling in the breeze, and I had a quiet moment of self-reflection there: amid the ancient walls, I realised how these getaways remind you to slow down, breathe in the changing seasons, and appreciate the simple joys before winter bites.

Evenings were for Oswestry (nine miles), dipping into cosy pubs for hearty stews and local ales, the chatter warming us against the darkening nights. One day, we ventured to Alderford Lake (15 miles) – pure autumnal bliss with watersports under clearing skies, the chill adding thrill to paddleboarding. Who knew slipping into chilly water could make you feel so alive?

This time of year shaped it all: the golden light, the earthy scents, the way the landscape whispered to unwind. If you’re after a proper seasonal escape, this corner of North Wales in autumn is pure gold. We’re already plotting a return – minus the pheasant pitstop, hopefully.